Convenience store sales surged over the first half of the year as lower gas prices fueled more driving and Americans embraced the continued addition of fresh and healthy food options, according to a survey of convenience retailers released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).
More than two in three convenience retailers (70 percent) say that in-store sales in the first half of 2016 were higher than the same period last year. A majority (54 percent) also say that fuel sales were higher compared to the first half of 2015.
Retailers continue to add fresh items to their product mix: 43 percent say that they have added more fresh fruit or vegetables this year; 39 percent have added more packaged salads; and 30 percent have added more cut fruits and vegetables. Overall, 85 percent of retailers say they sell fresh fruit or vegetables, an eight-point increase over last year.
Retailers also are selling more prepared foods and see foodservice as a growth opportunity. Sixty-four percent say that they are confident in their ability to compete with quick-service restaurants for customers.
Meanwhile, bottled water sales continue to grow at convenience stores. Nearly half of all retailers (48 percent) say they have expanded their bottled water offerings and even more (59 percent) say they increased their nutraceuticals and enhanced water selections.
According to NACS, convenience stores sell an estimated 50 percent of all single-serve bottled water purchases in the United States.
However, NACS points out an area of concern: Retailer optimism over their own business prospects, while still strong, has dropped 20 points from the 83 percent who said they were optimistic a year ago.
